28 Amazing Oyster Recipes For Every Occasion

Oysters are one of the best types of shellfish that you can find on the menu. Often popular in Southern cuisine, oysters can be cooked in a variety of different ways to really bring out the best in this shellfish.

Or you can even enjoy them raw if you so wish!

If you’ve never cooked with oysters before though, it can be confusing knowing where to start. So that’s why we’ve put together this list of 28 amazing oyster recipes for every occasion to get you started!

No matter what your expertise with oysters, there’s something to suit everyone on our extensive list.

So let’s take a look at the best oyster recipes to get your taste buds tingling!

1. Fried Oysters

One of the best ways to enjoy your oysters is to fry them! This is a super easy recipe for fried oysters that really brings out the best that your shellfish has to offer.

It’s best to use canola oil for frying these oysters, as this has a higher smoking point than olive oil.

2. Garlic Oysters

Garlic is one of the most versatile ingredients on the planet, so of course it would pair well with oysters! This is a highly popular dish that allows you to enjoy the very best that your oysters have to offer.

Why not try this garlicky dish?

3. Grilled Oysters

Grilling your oysters is another excellent way to cook them. This is a particularly tasty recipe that really allows your oysters to shine! The secret ingredient?

The use of a scrumptious garlic and herb butter that makes the shellfish sing!

4. Oysters Rockefeller

Arguably one of the most popular oyster recipes around the world, oysters Rockefeller is a highly popular Southern dish that really brings out the best in your oysters.

This dish features oysters on the half shell which are then topped with a delicious sauce.

5. Southern Crispy Fried Oysters

It doesn’t get more Southern than these Southern crispy fried oysters! These tasty fried oysters feature a cornmeal coating which is beautifully crisp, and delivers a delightful crunch with each bite.

They have also been soaked in buttermilk first to give them that extra crunch!

6. Oyster Casserole

Another Southern classic is undoubtedly this tasty oyster casserole. This is a hearty dish that will soon become a favorite for all the family.

There’s a yummy bechamel sauce tying the ingredients together, with the casserole having a breadcrumb topping for added bite.

7. Oyster Stew

Need warming up on a cold day? Then this oyster stew is the perfect dish for the job. What makes it perfect for everyone is that you can easily adjust the amount of spices included to suit your preferences.

Ideal for those picky eaters who aren’t a fan of spice!

8. Oysters Gratiné On The Half Shell

Want something a little more unusual from your oyster recipe? Then look no further than these tasty oysters gratiné on the half shell!

This particular oyster recipe features a tasty breadcrumb topping, with lots of Parmigiano Reggiano for some salty goodness.

9. Baked Oysters

It really doesn’t get better than this baked oyster recipe! Baked oysters are another classic way to enjoy your tasty fresh oysters if you don’t want to eat them raw.

This particular baked oyster recipe features pancetta, garlic, shallots, parmesan cheese, baby spinach, butter, and panko crumbs.

10. Oysters Three Ways

Can’t decide which way to enjoy your oysters? Then this oysters three ways recipe is just the thing you need to try!

Enjoy oysters vinaigrette, green oysters, and oyster gratin to give you an introduction into the world of tasty oyster recipes.

11. Oyster Chowder

Want to take your chowder recipe to the next level? Then this oyster chowder is just the thing you’re after! This is the perfect recipe to enjoy on a windy day and really capture the taste of the ocean.

Plus there are lots of oysters to give it that little extra something!

12. Fried Oyster Po’Boy

One of the most popular oyster recipes to come out of Southern cuisine is undoubtedly this tasty fried oyster po’boy!

These po’boys have a Cajun kick to give your oysters that little extra something, combined with lettuce, tomatoes, and a tangy remoulade sauce. All in a soft white bun!

13. Oysters Kilpatrick

A favorite for Australians, these oysters Kilpatrick feature a range of exciting flavors to get your taste buds tingling.

Bacon marries well with the shellfish, which is then topped with a tasty sauce that will have you smacking your lips. Perfect for those who want to enjoy something a little different!

14. Miso Baked Oysters

Inspired by Japanese cuisine, these miso baked oysters are the perfect oyster recipe for you to try. The Japanese certainly know what they’re talking about when it comes to fish, and these miso baked oysters are no exception!

This is ultimately a tasty baked oyster dish that is so moreish, you won’t regret making it.

15. Smoked Oyster Spread

Looking for a tasty appetizer to serve to your family and friends? Then this smoked oyster spread will be just the thing that you’re after! Whip up a batch to enjoy on crackers or slices of cucumber, or both if that takes your fancy!

16. Fried Oysters With Panko

One of the best crumbs to use for fried oysters is undoubtedly panko crumbs. Which is why we had to include this fried oysters with panko recipe on our list!

The addition of panko crumbs elevates these fried oysters to the next level. Enjoy them on their own, or with the addition of your favorite dipping sauce!

17. Oysters Casino With Bacon

Your search for the best oyster appetizer is over. These oysters casino with bacon give you the perfect balance of salt with seasonings for an unforgettable appetizer that all the family will love.

Plus they are super versatile and can be made to celebrate any occasion!

18. Grilled Oysters With White Wine Butter Sauce

Grilled to perfection, these grilled oysters with white wine butter sauce are just the thing that you need to add to your recipe collection.

The combination of that scrumptious white wine butter sauce with grilled oysters is simply to die for!

19. Bacon Wrapped Oysters

What better way to complement your oysters than by wrapping them in bacon? This is a tasty appetizer that will go down a storm with your family and friends.

Plus it’s so easy to make! You’ll be able to whip up a batch in a matter of minutes, and you can also enjoy the tasty soy garlic sauce, too!

20. Pan Fried Oysters Oreganata

Searching for a super simple oyster recipe that will tempt your taste buds? Then you need to try these pan fried oysters oreganata!

The oysters are pan fried to perfection, which you can then dip in the delicious herby sauce to your heart’s content.

21. Southern Cornbread And Oyster Dressing

Nothing says Southern cuisine quite like Southern cornbread and oyster dressing! This classic Southern dish will be the perfect thing to serve up to suit a large family, or even to treat your dinner guest to the very best hearty meal.

22. Fried Oyster Tacos

Want more of a twist on your oyster recipe? Then you need to give these fried oyster tacos a try!

This recipe features fried oysters in a cornmeal breading, which are then topped with lots of tasty citrus salsa, radishes, avocado, and shredded cabbage in a hard shell taco.

23. Raw Oysters On The Half Shell With Cucumber Mignonette

We could hardly make a list of the best oyster recipes without including a tasty raw oyster recipe! These raw oysters on the half shell with a cucumber mignonette sauce give you the very best that oysters have to offer.

You can also opt for oysters from different regions if you want to try more flavors.

24. Chinese Deep Fried Oysters With Dipping Sauce

Take inspiration from Chinese cuisine with these Chinese deep fried oysters with dipping sauce! The best thing about this recipe is that it’s super easy to prepare and cook.

Plus your deep fried oysters will be complemented with that delightful sweet and sour sauce!

25. Three Cheese Baked Oysters

Cheese makes everything tastier. And these oysters are no exception! These three cheese baked oysters are an excellent way to combine your two favorite foodie loves in one tasty dish.

There’s also some bacon in there for additional saltiness!

26. Roast Oysters

One of the best ways to prepare your oysters is to roast them. So we just had to include this recipe for roast oysters! This is a super easy way to prepare and cook your oysters, and really helps to bring out the best in your shellfish.

27. Spicy Butter And Herb Baked Oysters

Looking for a bit more of a kick from your oysters? Then these spicy butter and herb baked oysters are just the thing you need to try!

This oyster recipe features delicious spicy notes combined with herbs for a delightful set of baked oysters.

28. Adobong Talaba

Inspired by Phiippine cuisine, these adobong talaba oysters make the perfect last recipe on our list. Featuring lots of garlic, soy sauce, and vinegar, your mouth will be watering in between each bite.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s The Best Way To Cook Oysters?

There are lots of ways that you can cook your oysters, and it will mostly come down to personal preference. However, arguably the best way to cook your oysters is to place them on a very hot grill that has been preheated beforehand.

Cover your oysters, and then cook them for around 5 to 6 minutes at a time, or until the edges of your oysters have begun to curl slightly.

If you’re struggling to shuck open your oysters, you can place them on your hot grill cup side up. Allow them to cook for 1 minute, and then they should be much easier for you to open.

What Can I Do With Raw Oysters?

There are several things that you can do with raw oysters! You can enjoy them on their own, you can give them a dash of lemon juice, or you can add a bunch of additional ingredients to elevate the taste of your raw oysters.

Check out the recipes above for inspiration!

What Are Different Ways To Cook Oysters?

The good news is that oysters are super versatile. You can either bake them, grill them, steam them, smoke them, pan fry them, fry them, roast them, or you can even enjoy them raw.

Simply shuck open your oysters, then choose the cooking method of your choice!

How Do You Make Oysters Taste Good?

The best way to make your oysters taste good is to top them with a sauce or juice of your choice. Popular options include fresh lemon juice, hot sauce, or mignonette sauce.

Are Oysters Better Raw Or Cooked?

It all comes down to personal preference. Most people enjoy eating raw oysters, however, this does come with a risk. If the raw oysters have been exposed to nasty bacteria, you could get a bad case of food poisoning.

On the whole, most people don’t tend to get this at all. 

If you want to err on the side of caution, you can always cook your oysters first.

There are also a range of tasty cooked oyster recipes for you to choose from so that you can decide for yourself whether oysters taste better raw or cooked.

Are Oysters Good For You?

Yes, when consumed in normal amounts, oysters can be good for you. They are rich in copper, vitamin D, manganese, and zinc. These are highly beneficial vitamins and minerals required to live a happy and healthy life.

However, you can have too much of a bad thing, so it’s best to stick to a sensible portion of oysters.

What Goes Well With Oysters?

The best things to combine with oysters include lemon juice, horseradish sauce, hot sauce, pesto, mignonette sauce, and cocktail sauce.

In terms of side dishes, you can embrace your inner Southern chef and prepare sides of potatoes, corn, or grits.

In Summary

So there you have it! You should now be spoilt for choice in terms of the oyster recipes that you have to try. We’ve made sure to include a good range of oyster recipes so that you can cook them in several different ways.

Enjoy your oysters raw, grill them, bake them, steam them… Whichever recipe takes your fancy, you’re sure to enjoy the tasty oysters that you serve up.

Is there a particular recipe that takes your fancy? Or will you work your way through each of these tasty recipes that we’ve collected all in one place?

Whichever the case may be, you’re sure to find the best oyster recipes for you above!